China's Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has launched a formal investigation into Meta's proposed acquisition of Manus, a cutting-edge AI startup specializing in autonomous "general-purpose AI agents" capable of human-like task execution. The move underscores Beijing's heightened scrutiny of cross-border tech deals involving sensitive data and advanced algorithms.
At a press briefing on Thursday, MoC spokesperson He Yadong reiterated that Chinese law mandates strict compliance for overseas investments, particularly those involving technology exports and data transfers. "While we support international technological collaboration, all enterprises operating globally must adhere to domestic regulations," He stated, without directly commenting on the Meta-Manus deal's specifics.
The investigation focuses on whether the acquisition complies with China's export control laws and cybersecurity review mechanisms. Analysts suggest the probe reflects broader efforts to safeguard technological sovereignty amid rising global competition in AI development. The outcome could set precedents for how foreign firms engage with Chinese AI innovators in 2026.
